Window to the High Peaks: Blue Mountain Fire Tower
The view of Blue Mountain from 28 is somewhat daunting, but you gain quite a bit of that elevation on the drive to the trailhead.
We got to the trailhead at 9:20 and were hiking by 9:40. We met two other hikers who started their climb before we got going. I am always very poky to get started; my scatter brain tends to forget things and I worry that I don't have everything. Sunny, of course, was raring to go despite the single-digit temperatures.
The trail starts at 2200' elevation and the climb to 3750' starts right from the road. The grade is a bit more gradual than I was expecting, but it was still a great workout.
The trail slowly gains elevation on the West side of the mountain for the first mile or so.
The higher we climbed, the deeper the rut in the trail became.
There were numbers the whole way up the mountain. I have no idea what they are; they're certainly not campsites.
Once we reached the shoulder of the mountain at around 3000', the trees were retaining the snow on their branches. At this point, the trail levels out for less than half a mile as it curls around the mountain towards the next ascent. I used my trekking poles about five times to disengage or re-engage the risers on my snowshoes throughout the ascent.
Sunny was still in a good mood, though he wasn't dashing through the trees as much as usual. At this point, I began to notice how much warmer I felt in the sun as opposed to the shade. It was invigorating.
The main ascent up Blue Mountain climbs directly up the mountain's Southwest spur. As such, we had sun the entire time, albeit filtered through the trees.
Sunny was a little impatient with me. I was climbing methodically, with thought and purpose. The last thing I want is to have a heart attack on the side of a mountain in the Winter.
Some post-holes.
Sunny came running back as we neared the summit. One of the hikers we'd met at the trailhead was coming down. We chatted for a bit and Sunny got some pets before we moved on.
As I'd noticed on Good Luck, trees and branches that were no issue walking under in Summer required stooping or navigating around in Winter. The snow on the trees was just as packed as on the ground. I can see how this kind of snow topples weaker trees and poses a danger to people.
The forest was absolutely magical up here.
Come on, Dad!
I took my first look-back at around 3550'. Around this time, we met the 2nd hiker with his dog who had started before us. The hiker remarked that Blue Mountain was actually easier in Winter and he does it every year. Sunny danced with the other dog and got more pets before we moved on. So far, the wind was barely registering and the sun felt great.
These posts surrounded the area near the summit. I suspect they once tied down a radio antenna.
Here, you can really see the depth of the snow near the summit.
And here, of course. These signs are usually a good 8' off the ground.
The privy itself lies sheltered in the trees and is still somewhat accessible, if you need it.
We made it to the fire tower at 11:35, almost two hours after leaving the trailhead.
"Area closed"
I carefully climbed the fire tower and was grateful it wasn't one of the taller varieties. The wind was a bit stronger up here, as expected, and the air was brisk. I made quick work of my photography.
This mountain boasts a lovely view of the High Peaks.
The day was clear and beautiful, probably the best weather all Winter.
Blue Mountain Lake as seen from Blue Mountain Fire Tower.
Sunny's separation anxiety actually wasn't too bad when I was on the tower, though I did hear him whine a bit. I spent some time clearing his feet of snow and ice balls (for the third time that day) and we had a snack. I did not take out my relax-a-chair despite the fact that I was fairly comfortable now. I kind of wanted to leave plenty of time to get home for Quinn's last hockey practice of the season. We started back at around
Sunny followed me down rather than led the way for the first half of the descent. I think he was starting to get tuckered out from regulating body temp. Then, after meeting more hikers and getting more pets, he perked up and took point again. Regardless of which of us were in the lead, we flew back to the car in less than an hour, and this despite the fact that the trail didn't feature any great butt-sliding.
The temperature gauge on the Rav 4 said it was 31 degrees Farenheit, 23 degrees warmer than when we started.
What an amazing hike. I'll definitely be back here again and again. I can't wait to take Quinn here, actually. The drive is nice, too, and features a Stewart's down the road a piece. I highly recommend this hike even if you're almost two hours away like me. In other season, you can easily add another fire tower to your day to make it worth the drive.
I'm still hoping we have time to get in a couple of High Peaks before mud season. Watch this space to find out.